NEW DELHI: Indian shuttler HS Prannoy secured a bronze medal in the men's singles badminton category at the 19th Asian Games after facing a defeat against China's Li Shifeng. Prannoy's journey in the tournament came to an end in the semifinals when he lost 0-2 (16-21, 9-21) to his Chinese opponent.
Prannoy displayed a strong start in the first game, taking an 11-10 lead over Li Shifeng. However, the Chinese shuttler quickly turned the game in his favor, showcasing his speed and agility on the court. Prannoy struggled to find winners against his formidable opponent, who secured the first game.
In the second game, Prannoy's early smashes went awry, putting him behind by a point. Li Shifeng maintained his dominance, using powerful cross-court smashes to gain an advantage. Prannoy attempted to mount a comeback but found himself facing a more energetic and opportunistic opponent. The Indian shuttler appeared to run out of steam towards the end of the match.
Despite the loss, Prannoy's performance in the tournament earned him a well-deserved bronze medal. His journey showcased his skill and determination, and he made a strong effort to compete against some of the best players in the men's singles category at the Asian Games.
While the defeat in the semifinals was a disappointment for Prannoy, securing a bronze medal is a commendable achievement, and he can take pride in his performance at the Asian Games.
(With ANI inputs)
